SharePoint changes Excel 2016 text formatting when opening from Documents page, but Downloaded file is correct

Question

I am experiencing a problem with an Excel 2016 file on SharePoint. When opening the file from the Documents page, cell text has been altered from when originally saved. Bolded text has been unbolded and also the reverse.  I have tried multiple times to correct and alter document library settings, but the problem still exists.

The problem can be seen in the attached screen captures.

The Original png show text (bold) changes.

The Corrected and Saved png shows my edits back to the desired formatting, then saved and checked back in.

When opening the file with Excel 2016, the changes revert to the incorrect bold text.  When selecting any of the SharePoint saved versions, it results in the incorrect text formatting.

I have saved this spreadsheet locally, and the formatting does not alter when reopening. I have downloaded locally and opened without the errors.  I have uploaded the correct version to SharePoint, but the formatting is still changed.

Answer 1

Hi BCollins_AMI,

Thanks for your updates.

Based on my test, with the same file provided in your private message, I can reproduce the issue with Microsoft Office 365 Business current channel and First release of deferred channel. The issue doesn't occur with deferred channel of Microsoft Office 365 Business or other channels of Office 365 ProPlus. (Moreover, some editions channel nameis changed, please capture all info under Product Information, in your former screenshot, we know it's Current Channel.)

So, to investigate this issue further, we may need to collect your tenant info and involve your tenant admin to this thread. You may share with us the info whenever you get it. We appreciate your effort.

Regards,

Tim

Answer 2

Hi Tim,

Some additional detail.  I was having problems with SharePoint properly executing the open files in client application setting using Chrome as a browser.  I switched to IE, and that problem ceased.  I decided to see if actual files were affected while opening in Chrome versus IE, and the formatting problem persisted.  Font changes, including size and the bold text occur with my Excel files when opening from Chrome and IE both.  

To your troubleshooting tips...my responses.

1. Problem is replicated in multiple libraries in the sub-site and parent site, including a new library created to test issue. 2. I'd say it is multiple Excel files given I created an extract of the original and am still seeing the problem.
2. Addressed this using the extract.  Problem persists.
3. Have sent you the extract Excel file for testing.

Note that I also created an entirely new SharePoint site, not related to the original parent/child sites.  The same problem occurs there.

Answer 3

Tim,

I've created a simple text file and uploaded to the site.  No errors in any instance of opening as seen below.

Original

Opened with Excel Online

Opened with Excel local

I've not gotten anyone else to open the problem file, as this is a new SharePoint site I am implementing.  However, I will give it a try.

My next step will be to take the problem file, force all the text into plain formatting, then see if anything changes.  I'll provide the original file using the private link you sent.

Answer 4

Hi BCollins_AMI,

Below are two screenshots from my side. The first one is opening the file from Document library. The second screenshot is opening a download file. I think they are the same. It seems this is an separate tenant level issue in your tenant.

To investigate further, I'd like to confirm the following things:

1. Create a simple worksheet. One row include content without bold text. Another row with content with bold text. Upload it to Documents library. Check if the issue occurs with a simple worksheets.
2. Open the file in your screenshot with Excel Online. Capture a screenshot of it. We want to see if the online version is incorrect.
3. Let other user check the file from their sides. Meanwhile, let them upload some worksheets. See the result when open worksheets from Documents library. It lets us know if the issue is only related to your device.
4. If it's convenient, could you share with us the original file in your screenshot?

Best regards,

Tim

Answer 5

Hi BCollins_AMI,

To better understand the situation, I'd like to confirm the following things:

1. Create a new library and don't configure any setting. Upload the same file to that library. Check if the issue occurs. It lets us know if the issue is related to all libraries in your tenant.
2. Is the issue only related to this specific file or all Excel files in that problematic library?
3. Copy content of this problematic worksheet to a new blank worksheet. Check if this new worksheet has the same issue after uploading to that problematic library.
4. I have sent you a private message to collect that file. You may find the message via the URL https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/privatemessage/inbox.
5. Open Excel>File>Account>capture a screenshot of all info under Product Information. Let other user check if the issue occurs on their computers.

Best regards,

Tim